At Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard from Chris Blum of the Heartland Cancer Foundation on August 2, 2024.
Chris started his presentation with sobering facts:
- 11,000 Nebraskans will receive a cancer diagnosis this year - our friends, neighbors, relatives
- 62% of the cancer patients report being in debt due to treatment
- 42% of new caner patients lose their life savings
During the presentation, Chris shared the mission of Heartland Cancer Foundation:
We believe no cancer patient should fall behind on treatment because they struggle to afford their everyday expenses. Our mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on what matters most: healing.
He shared that the Foundation provides support by removing barriers so that people do not need to decide if they can pay for the treatment they need. They support clients with housing, transportation and more to help ensure the best treatment for cancer patients.
The grant amounts are currently $750 and the client can choose where to apply those funds:
- Mortgage & Rent
- Fuel Expenses
- Car Loans
- Utilities
Though the Foundation has a defined service area, they support all of Nebraska. If an application is qualified and lives in Nebraska, they will receive the grant funds. They use the federal poverty guidelines times three for qualifying income. It also does not matter if the client is receiving support from other organizations. Last year they provided grants to clients in 98 communities in 39 counties in Nebraska.
A key fact - the funds stay in Nebraska and the decisions are made locally. The Board is made up of community representatives. The grant decisions are pretty pat - if you live in Nebraska and qualify - you should get the grant. They are proud of the fact that they make the decisions and do not need to answer to a larger organization. These are decisions made by Nebraskans to support Nebraskans.
Last year a total of nearly $136,000 in grants went out to a total of 339 clients. The funds supported:
- $46,337 was issued for rent and mortgage payments to keep cancer patients in their homes.
- $51,950 was given out in the form of gas cards to help patients get to and from treatment.
- $7,158 was issued in car payments to make sure cancer patients had transportation.
- $30,370 was provided in utility assistance to ensure that water, electricity and phone service remained turned on for patients
The Foundation receives some funds from other Foundations in Nebraska. Much of the money comes from fundraisers - the three major events are:
- Maris Gras Gala
- Heartland Golf Classic
- Oncology Symposium - an educational event with speakers on cancer treatment, research
Chris mentioned that many organizations support them with smaller, though important, event such as Sandhills Global employee match and UStop kick-it-back charity - rounding up to donate. Others include Pius X, Cancer Partners and Good Life Fitness.
BIO
A Nebraska native, Chris brings 29 years of nonprofit leadership experience to HCF. He most recently served as the Business Development Manager for the Nebraska Safety Council, and has also held positions as the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Nebraska Children’s Home Society and the Scout Executive/CEO for the Cornhusker Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Chris will provide the strategic and professional leadership for all development and operational efforts of the HCF, and looks forward to engaging donors and community partners in realizing their charitable goals.
When asked why he is excited about joining the Heartland Cancer Foundation and stepping into this role, Chris responded: “Because the critical mission of directly helping cancer patients is straightforward and changes lives in our communities!"
Chris and his wife Lori have a son, CJ, who attends Mickle Middle School. Chris has been active in Rotary and as a Cub Scout Den Leader, and he currently coaches Junior High Cross Country and Track for St. John’s Catholic School.
Chris will provide the strategic and professional leadership for all development and operational efforts of the HCF, and looks forward to engaging donors and community partners in realizing their charitable goals.
When asked why he is excited about joining the Heartland Cancer Foundation and stepping into this role, Chris responded: “Because the critical mission of directly helping cancer patients is straightforward and changes lives in our communities!"
Chris and his wife Lori have a son, CJ, who attends Mickle Middle School. Chris has been active in Rotary and as a Cub Scout Den Leader, and he currently coaches Junior High Cross Country and Track for St. John’s Catholic School.